The Formatting of Cover Letters: What to Do and Not To Do

Posted by Sydney Professional Resume Writers on 13 Mar 2025

When the process of applying for a job having a professional resume and cover letter are crucial. However, simply having good content isn’t enough. The format of your cover letter is as crucial as the content. A poorly-formatted cover letter can make a bad impression on the manager who is hiring, while a well-formatted one will make you stand out from your competitors. In this article, we’ll go over the rules and guidelines for the format of your cover letters, and also discuss the reasons why it might be beneficial to let a professional like Sydney Professional Resume Writers handle the formatting for you.

Let’s start by discussing the rules of cover letter format.

  1. Use a professional font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are all options. Avoid using fancy fonts or hard-to-read fonts.
  2. Do use a consistent layout. Use the same font, size, and layout in the letter of cover.
  3. Do include proper spacing. Use single or 1.15 line spacing. Also, allow ample white spaces between each paragraph to make the text easy to read.
  4. Include your contact details at the top of the letter. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email.
  5. Make sure to personalize your letter. Use the hiring manager’s name If possible, and then tailor your letter to match the job you’re applying to.

Now, let’s talk about the don’ts of cover letter formatting.

  1. Don’t use a template. Every cover letter should be original and tailored to the job you’re applying for and the business you’re applying to.
  2. Do not exceed one page. Keep the letter concise and straight to the main point.
  3. Don’t use overly fancy formatting. Use a simple, professional layout.
  4. Make sure to proofread your letter. Double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes prior to sending the letter.
  5. Make sure to sign the letter.

While it’s essential to be aware of the structure for your letter of cover, it’s tedious and stressful to complete it yourself. This is where a professional resume writing service such as Sydney Professional Resume Writers comes in. Our team of experts know how to write an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. We’ll take care of the formatting so that you can concentrate on the content of your letter.

Our team will help you to tailor your cover letter to match the job and the company which you’re applying. Furthermore, we’ll check for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensure your letter is short in its writing and simple to understand.

In the end, a well-formatted cover letter can make all it’s worth in your career search. By following the do’s and nots of the format of your cover letter and maybe employing a professional such as Sydney Professional Resume Writers to handle the formatting on your behalf, you’ll be on your path to creating a cover letter that helps you stand out from your crowd. Contact us on 1300 631 916 or use the contact form to reach us if you have any questions.

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